How much do shingles cost per square on an insurance estimate?
Short answer. On an insurance estimate, shingles are priced by the square, 100 square feet of roof, in separate lines: one to tear off and dispose of the old roof, and one to install new laminated shingles, with the quantity including a waste allowance. Prices come from the estimating software's regional price list and are adjusted over time, so what matters for you is that the quantities, waste and add-on charges are correct for your roof.
How the shingle lines usually appear
- Tear off and haul composition shingles. Per square of measured area, with a separate line for each additional layer.
- Laminated composition shingles, with felt or without. Per square, including waste. Some estimates bundle underlayment into this line; others list it separately.
- Starter course, hip and ridge cap. Usually by the linear foot.
- Steep charges. Separate per-square charges for slopes in ranges such as 7 to 9 in 12 and 10 to 12 in 12, for both removal and installation.
- High roof charges. Per square for roofs two stories or higher.
Waste is where squares go missing
The installed quantity should equal the measured area plus a waste factor for cutting at hips, valleys and rakes. A simple gable roof might carry around 10 percent, while a cut-up hip roof needs more. An estimate that applies little or no waste to a complex roof leaves you short of shingles.
What to check on your estimate
- That the measured squares match a measurement report or your roofer's count.
- That waste is reasonable for your roof shape.
- That steep and high charges appear where they apply.
- That accessories, drip edge, flashing and pipe boots are listed.
- That the shingle grade matches what was on the roof, for like kind and quality.
When something is missing
A contractor can document the gap with photos and measurements, and the carrier can review a supplement. Results depend on your policy and the carrier. See how roofers measure a roof and roof replacement cost in Georgia.